Ileoanal anastomosis surgery (commonly called J-pouch or IPAA) allows you to eliminate waste normally after removal of the upper and lowest parts of the large intestine (colon and rectum). J-pouch surgery avoids the need for a permanent opening in the abdomen (stoma) for passing bowel movements.

Ileoanal anastomosis is most often used to treat chronic ulcerative colitis and inherited conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis that carry a high risk of colon and rectal cancer. Ileoanal anastomosis is also sometimes used to treat colon cancer and rectal cancer.

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